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Register by October 17 to Secure Your Spot!
| Registration Type | Member Price |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration (Sept. 11-Oct.3) | $750 |
| General Registration (Oct. 4-Oct.17) | $850 |
The political landscape in Washington, DC continues to evolve daily. Chorus America needs to hear from you: How are the federal government’s actions affecting your work? All stories of specific impact are welcome. Please share your experience here. Thank you to those members who have already shared their stories with us.
Visit our Government Affairs Resource Page for more tools.
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These government affairs updates are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Nonprofit arts organizations should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025!
The upcoming election includes several gubernatorial, state legislative, and mayoral races. Local elected officials can be either friends or foes of the arts, culture, and nonprofit sectors. Make sure your voice is heard. Show up and vote!
👉 Visit Vote411 to find your local ballot, check your registration, and more!
President Shakes Up the Commission of Fine Arts
The Commission of Fine Arts is an independent federal agency charged with giving expert advice to the President, the Congress and the federal and District of Columbia governments on matters of design and aesthetics, as they affect the federal interest and preserve the dignity of the nation’s capital. The Commission is composed of seven presidentially appointed experts in relevant disciplines including art, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design.
On Tuesday, October 28, six members of the CFA were let go. “We are preparing to appoint a new slate of members to the commission that are more aligned with President Trump’s ‘America First’ policies,” said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to the Washington Post to discuss personnel matters. The White House is launching major construction projects including a White House Ballroom and a Triumphal Arch.
The CFA also manages the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs (NCACA) grant program which supports large artistic and cultural institutions operating in the District of Columbia.
Chorus America will continue monitoring this development, especially as several Chorus America members benefit from the NCACA grant program.
Layoff Update at the Department of Education
During the continuing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Education has issued layoff notices to 465 employees across six of its seventeen key offices. According to court documents, all staff within the Office of Well-Rounded Education and Arts Education received notices of a reduction in force. These affected staff members include nearly all personnel involved in certain critical formula grant programs, such as Title I for low-income students and grants under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
On Oct. 15, a federal judge temporarily halted the layoff plan while reviewing the case challenging the staff reductions enacted during the shutdown. The Administration is expected to continue efforts to proceed with the layoffs. If the original plan is upheld, affected employees' last day of employment is scheduled for December 9. Update Courtesy of Education Week
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Amy Fitterer is a dynamic leader in association management, government affairs, and the performing arts. She has consulted for OPERA America and Partners in Performance, supporting advocacy and strategic planning efforts. As Executive Director of Dance/USA (2011–2020), she led its transformation into a more equitable and financially strong organization, launching initiatives like Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists. Previously, she directed government affairs for OPERA America and Dance/USA, successfully advocating for arts funding and policy improvements. A former ballet dancer and pianist, Amy holds degrees from Indiana University and Columbia University. She lives in northern Virginia with her family and enjoys dance, music, and fitness.
